Matthew 5:11 "Blessed" Part 9

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is you reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” NIV

No one likes to be talked about in a bad way. We all hate to be the raw end of insults or lies. But I definitely don’t jump at the opportunity to rejoice and be glad when treated like that. In fact, my first instinct is to defend or retaliate. I want to stand up for myself; give argument for the truth. But Jesus says that when we suffer in this way, we can rise above the insults and accusations. We can with joy remember that no one can touch us here; we have a reward in eternity with our Lord that no one can take away on this earth. Greater men and women than I have gone before and suffered so much more. So let them throw their sticks and stones and degrading words. I stand on the living Truth who has promised me a whole lot more than man’s approval. In that I can rejoice and be glad.

Further Thoughts:

1. Is justice always our right on this earth? (Read Luke 6:27-36, Romans 12:17-21, Psalm 63:9-11)
2. Do you struggle with people speaking against you because of your faith? You’re in good company. Read in the Old Testament what some of the prophets had to go through for their faith.

Matthew 5:10 "Blessed" Part 8

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” NIV

Recently our church had a wonderful man speak to us about his experience with persecution. He was imprisoned for his faith for several weeks, beaten, starved, and just days from his execution before he was released due to international pressure. I listened and was saddened by his pain and the agony his wife and daughter must have gone through. But I could in absolutely no way relate. I am free to share my faith with anyone I want anywhere I want. I don’t fear prison or death because of my faith. I only feel persecuted when I am scoffed at for believing that Jesus is the Son of God. That’s the extent of my suffering. In many ways I feel like a spoiled rich kid who in no way appreciates or understands how blessed she is.

But I do know that persecution could reach our shores in the very near future. I’m not deluded into thinking we are exempt from the enemy’s schemes to touch our lives here in American as so many have suffered in other countries. I only pray that we, as God’s children, will have the strength to endure whatever may come. I know I serve a loving God and this life here and now is not the end of the story. You can kill my body, but you cannot have my soul. I surrendered that to the Almighty a long time ago, and I do not plan to take it back. I will stand firm for the Lord as my strength and my shield. I will not be moved.

Further Thoughts:

1. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. Read his story in Acts 6:8-7:60. It’s a powerful example of sacrifice for Christ.
2. In the Old Testament we can learn how Daniel suffered persecution and received God’s provision. Read Daniel 6:1-28.
3. Paul is an amazing example of someone who would endure anything for Christ. Do a study of Paul and make a list of the persecutions and trials he faced.
4. Are you ready to face whatever may come our way? If not, what area of your life do you still need to surrender to Him?
5. Want to know more about those being persecuted around the world and how you can help them? Go to http://www.persecution.com/.

Matthew 5:9 "Blessed" Part 7

"Blessed the are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." NIV

Peacemaking is a very humbling experience both as a third party and as a participant. Just think, if you are needing to mediate between two opposing parties, you have to enter the situation with great tact and humility or the two you are trying to help will unite and turn on you. At the same time, if you are part of a disagreement that is escalating into something ugly, you must humble yourself and seek a peaceful resolution to the situation. It takes some backing down from your high horse to find a neutral ground where peace can once again be achieved. Either way, it's not fun, and it requires a selflessness that does not come naturally to any of us. In our human nature we want to fight until we win. Backing down is not a natural option. But Jesus says that to be a child of God, we must seek to make peace, not discord. Rats.

So how do we go about this? We keep coming back to the same point -- surrender to the Lord and His will. Not everything is about me and my opinion. I need to let things go, let people go, show mercy, have right intentions and purity of heart, and be sure that there is peace among us. We can disagree on issues, but battles do not have to ensue. It goes back to the old '60's bumper sticker, "Make love, not war." (Okay, so the 60's had a bit of a different twist on that saying than I'm using. Understood. But you get my meaning.) If we are truly desiring to be saturated in the love of Christ and filled with His Holy Spirit, then we can be peacemakers among those we live and work with. If our goal is to share Christ's love with others, we can't do it very well with our fingers balled into a fist. An open hand brings peace and so does an open heart. Love will share the peace of Christ that passes all understanding, and we are the conduits of that love.

Lord, humble my heart and fill it with more of Your love and discretion so I can be a peacemaker. I know I don't have to surrender all my positions, just learn to give to others sometimes and not make everything about me and my way.

Further Thoughts:

1. We know we will have difficulties in this world. Jesus did not promise us an easy path. But what did He promise us to make it through? Read John 16:33)
2. Christians can be some of the worst bickerers with other Christians over ridiculous things. Paul speaks a lot to keeping peace in the body. Look up several Scriptures on peace in Paul's letters. Memorize one or two to remind you to be a peacemaker.
3. Who have you been having trouble being at peace with lately? Surrender that relationship to the Lord; ask God to show you your responsibility in the situation; seek forgiveness; pray for the other person; and restore peace. You are not responsible for others, but you are responsible for yourself.

Matthew 5:8 "Blessed" Part 6

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” NIV

Purity is not something pursued by many people today. I’d venture to say that not even all Christians desire to chase after purity. It’s a tough road and takes sacrifice. Intentions must be completely in line with God’s will; attitudes must be like Christ; actions must be of the highest order. Sacrifice is a norm. Love is preeminent. None of these are easy to obtain. Maybe that is why only the ones who do achieve these heights will see God. It should be tough. If it wasn’t, the prize would not be worth much.

So why do we try? Why do we put in the time to reach an unattainable goal? After all, we are fallible human beings. But it can be reached through Jesus Christ. No, I don’t believe we can be perfect in this lifetime, but I do believe we can strive for perfection and possess right motives. The Scripture says, “pure in heart.” It doesn’t say perfect in every action, in every thought. Purity of heart is a desire to do right. And when you make wrong choices, but display a repentant and contrite heart, you make things right again and choose to walk in different choices to avoid repeating the sin again. The more and more you do this, the easier it becomes to make the right choices and sin becomes less and less a temptation.

I sincerely want my heart to always lean toward God. I don’t do it perfectly by any means, but I do walk with pure intentions. Then when I am wrong, I rely on His grace and mercy to convict me and gently lead me on the right path.

Further Thoughts:

1. What did Jesus have to say about the heart?
2. Research “the wellspring of life.” (See Psalm 4:7, Proverbs 4:23, Matthew 12:34, and Mark 7:20-21.)
3. What we fill our minds with can influence our heart. Examine the things you put into your mind. (i.e. through TV, books, movies, Internet, gossip, etc.) Do they encourage you toward being pure of heart? List ways you can influence your heart toward God.

Matthew 5:7 "Blessed" Part 5

"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." NIV

A few years ago a movie came out called, "Pay It Forward." It was about a 12-year-old boy given an assignment in school to develop an idea that would change the world. He came up with "pay it forward." He would do something unexpected and helpful for three people. In return for his kindness, he asked them to pay it forward by doing something kind for three more people. And so on and so on. I won't give away the movie for you, but in the end, we learn that he had touched thousands of people through his project of mercy.

Mercy is a gift we have received from our Lord, something we completely do not deserve, and He asks us to give it out freely to others. In fact, He commands it. In forgiving those who have offended us, in Matthew 6:14-15 He says that we must forgive others, or we will not be forgiven by our Father. For the needy, we are to help them. For our enemies, we are to love them. Mercy is to be given to all others around us and comes from the righteousness that we are being filled with as written in verse 6. Mercy given out on our own is rote duty; mercy coming from the Father's Spirit empowering us is a choice made out of love and a desire to walk in His path.

Lord, help me to be more merciful. I am a sinner saved by grace, and I want to share that grace and mercy that You showed me with others. Teach me and fill me, Precious Lord.

Further Thoughts:

1. Read about David's acts of mercy in 1 Samuel 24 and 26.
2. Read Jesus' parable of the unmerciful servant.
3. Do you struggle with showing mercy to the needy? your enemies? those who have hurt you? Who do you need to work on showing more mercy to? Choose by the power of the Holy Spirit to be merciful.

Matthew 5:6 "Blessed" Part 4

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." NIV

Did you know there are about sixty references to the words, "please God" or "pleasing to God" in the Bible? I love the definition of the Greek word for "righteousness" in this verse. It says, "state of him who is as he ought to be, the condition acceptable to God...." Living a life of righteousness is living just as I should be -- pleasing God. When I am going my own path, following my own depraved sinful nature, I am not living a life pleasing to God. I am actually walking the exact opposite direction. But when I am living the life I was supposed to have lived before the Fall, walking blamelessly before God, then I am living a pleasing life to Him. And isn't that every child's desire, to please their father?

As I looked back through some of the verses in the Old Testament, all the "pleasing" statements were regarding a sacrifice being a "pleasing aroma to God." Animal sacrifices were how God had established for the people to atone for their sins before Jesus became the final sacrifice. Sin brings death, so someone had to die to atone for the sin or to make them right again before God. And when God's people truly sought forgiveness through sacrifice, a desire to put their life back into line with God's plan, that was pleasing to Him.

Because of Jesus, we don't have to offer animal sacrifices any more, so my life is my sacrifice. If I am living as I "ought to be," then my life is pleasing to my Father. I can't be living for myself anymore. I sacrificed that part of me on the altar of salvation. I must live a pleasing life for Him. Oh, the enemy often tempts me to resurrect that old self and follow my own path, but the Holy Spirit always reminds me of the way that is "acceptable to God." My true path, my true desire is to please my Lord. Earthly pleasures will fade, but the Lord's pleasure is eternal.

Lord, let my life be righteous in Your eyes; my walk a sweet aroma pleasing to You.

Further Thoughts:

1. David was one who pleased God. His life wasn't perfect; he made some dire mistakes. So what about His life pleased God? Study David and list some reasons.
2. Look up several verses with "please God" or "pleasing to God" in them. What is the behavior or attitude that each verse is referencing? How are you doing with those personally? What about your life needs to change to be "as it ought to be?"
3. Does the Christian life seem hard? Well, it is. We serve a God that sets high standards and battle an enemy that is very strong and persuasive. We live through spiritual warfare every day, but you don't have to do it alone. Seek out other believers that will fight alongside you. Let's "please" Him together.

Matthew 5:5 "Blessed" Part 3

"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." NIV

Every New Year's the Lord gives me a new word to work on. Two years ago it was gentleness. Last year it was ......gentleness. Okay, so I'm a slow learner. (This year is humility. I guess He decided to go at it from a different angle.) Gentleness is just one of the attributes that has always been difficult for me. I'm a bottom-line person. I tend to see the overall needs quickly, cut to the heart of the situation, and shoot straight. If you happen to be in the line of fire, you should listen and make adjustments. Well, that's how I was; I believe I've improved over my 2+ year's focus on being gentler, but I'm sure I have a long way to go.

Meekness or gentleness exemplifies so well the character of Jesus Christ. He just never seemed to get rattled by anyone or anything. (Well, except that whole turning over the tables in the temple incident. But that was anger at defiling His Father's house. He was justified.) Even when He rebuked the disciples and used some rather harsh wording, He would guide them into a right way of thinking. When the woman was about to be stoned for adultery, He was gentle with her and with her accusers. He spoke the truth, but in a calm and quiet manner. When he was being abused, verbally and physically, by the authorities, He didn't speak a word. Jesus always looked to others and their needs first. He submitted to God's leading. He lived a gentle existence. (Side note: This, I'm sure, was just blowing the Jews' minds because they were expecting in the Messiah a mighty warrior ready to kick some Roman bootie. Little did they know they got the most powerful warrior possible.)

When I think of a person today as an example of gentleness, I always see an old woman who quietly and reservedly doles out words of wisdom. She lives a humble and quiet existence. She is never harsh or abrasive. Her eyes are filled with compassion and kindness. She looks at others to really see them and accepts them just as they are without reservation. She is never in a hurry, but always slow and deliberate in all she does. Flustered is not in her vocabulary. When faced with temptation -- no compromise. When assaulted by other's sin -- gentle rebuke in love. This is the gentle, kind person I so want to be.

Lord, as I go through my day today, help me to be gentle with all those around me. I want my thoughts to be of others before myself. I want my tone of voice to never be harsh or impatient. Slow down my day and fill me, Holy Spirit, with Your gentleness.

Further Thoughts:

1. There are several examples in the OT of meek spirits -- Joseph, Ruth, Esther, Samuel, Sarah, Moses, Noah, Job. Choose one or two and reread their stories. What can you learn about gentleness from their life?
2. Find some verses to memorize regarding gentle, humble, or contrite. (See Ephesians 4:2, Isaiah 66:2)
3. I believe one of the biggest hindrances to gentleness is a hectic lifestyle. When we get in a hurry, are rushed, and fail to take quiet times of reflection, our gentleness with others and God tends to diminish. What can you do to remove some of the hectic-ness out of your life? Can you incorporate some "reset" times in your day to slow everything down and refocus your purpose and goals?
4. When I am not feeling very gentle, reading Scripture or listening to music calms my spirit. Try it. (My favorites are the Psalms, 1 Corinthians 13, and Andrea Bocelli. But that's me.)

Matthew 5:4 "Blessed" Part 2

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." NIV

Mourning for what? The sins I have committed in the past? The sinful nature that I seem to battle against daily? The fact that I have to face temptation and sinfulness around me every day? Difficulties and struggles of this life? Lost youth? Bleak future? Marital difficulties? Financial struggles? Past choices? Present trials?

I suppose He is referring to all of these depending on our true attitude of the heart. There are so many things in our life that can bring mourning, the difference is what we do with it. Once we have been faced with the saving grace of our Lord, our past sins can bring up much regret and mourning. But if we have humbly surrendered to His grace, His Spirit brings us comfort in our sorrow. If we are mourning our present state of affairs not out of selfish ambition, but a repentant desire to do better, He is our comfort. If we are mourning those circumstances which are out of our control but that are just part of living in a fallen, imperfect world, His Spirit will wrap His arms around us and assure us that He has it all under control.

We will continue to face trials and difficulties either as a result of our past choices or because of the imperfection of this present life. But we can persevere because we have been given a Counselor that not only wipes away our tears, but leads us through the fog. We must live in an attitude of mourning, but not dwell in the misery of it. As long as it leads to our dependence on the Father, we can change our mourning to joy, our sorrow to triumph.

Thank You, Father, that whether I am facing regret over sin or present sorrow over circumstances, You are my comfort. I delight in Your presence and receive comfort from Your Spirit. You bring me joy.

Further Thoughts:

1. What do I do with my sin regrets? (See 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Isaiah 43:25, Psalm 103:12)
2. The enemy can tempt us to move from mourning to worry about our present situation. What do we do about that? (See Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 55:22, Luke 12:22-34, Proverbs 3:5-6)
3. Look up synonyms for "comfort" or "comforted." Then find verses with these words in it to memorize and bring to mind in especially difficult times. (If you go to Crosswalk.com and type the word in the search box and click "find," it will give you all the verses that contain that word.)
4. If you are in a state of mourning right now, give all the pain over to the Lord. Ask His Spirit for the comfort you need and rest in His arms. He will "not leave you nor forsake you."

Matthew 5:3 "Blessed" Part 1

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." NIV

What exactly does Jesus mean by poor here? The Greek word used is ptochos which means what we would take for poor to mean today -- destitute, lacking wealth, influence, position, or honor. Interestingly, the word's origin means "to crouch" and is related to the Greek word, ptoeo which means "to be terrified." So who is getting the kingdom of heaven? The destitute guy who is crouching in terror? Absolutely.

Jesus is speaking of the state of our heart. Think of it this way. I'm in a battle with a very powerful enemy. I have my weapons that I've crafted. I think they are pretty good going in. I'm feeling strong. Got my weapons, got my armor, got some other people around me who are doing the same. I'll defeat whatever comes my way. Then this huge army rolls in to face me. They are loaded to the hilt with weapons, armed warriors, and they have a powerful general that cannot be equaled. Just the sight of them sends my knees to trembling.

So I have two choices here. I can arrogantly charge forward with my meager little arsenal and probably die a quick but horrible death. Or I can lay down my pathetic weapons and surrender to this power beyond anything I will ever be able to achieve.

Jesus wants us to realize our pathetic state of need. We are truly nothing. How many times do people miss out on the power of the gospel because they think they are all that. They can do whatever they want, make all the money they want, buy what they want, walk over whomever they want, live like they want. Jesus says to recognize your true poverty and simply surrender. Come before him empty-handed with fear and trembling, and He will give you the keys to heaven. With all our fancy houses, powerful jobs, padded bank accounts, and lofty ambitions we stand totally powerless when we come face to face with Jesus Christ. But we must acknowledge this and surrender to His power, His protection, His storehouse, His plans because we are nothing.

You see, we may be laying our meager weapons down before a powerful army, but the cool part is when we do, we are not taken prisoner. The General places on us an impenetrable armor and adds us to His army. We become one of His forever. It's a new kind of surrender -- from white flag to paradise. I choose to be poor.

Further Thoughts:

1. In the OT, Saul and Gideon were two very different military leaders. What can we learn from their differences and the outcomes they experienced?
2. Compare and contrast "arrogant" with "poor in spirit." What is the outcome of each state of the heart and mind? Support with Scripture.
3. What weapons am I holding that I refuse to admit are of my own making and need to be surrendered to God?

Matthew 5:1-12 "Blessed" Introduction

Read Matthew 5:1-12.

"Blessed...." NIV

Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes or Blessings. When you look up the Greek meaning of the word "blessed" here, it means: "blessed, happy." I thought it very interesting that "happy" is included in the definition. What does it mean to be happy? In today's American terms, happiness conjures up images of big homes, fast, shiny cars, powerful jobs, perfect children, and lots of fun stuff. You know, the American dream. But I'm pretty sure that is not the happiness that Jesus is talking about. When he says that I will be 'happy' when I am persecuted and insulted, that just doesn't mesh with what I have been taught by this culture as happiness.

As we begin to read through the beatitudes together over the next several days, we must start with a new definition of happiness. Happy is not a birthday cake, party, and a table full of presents. Happy is not receiving a bonus check from your boss. Happy is not having a two week vacation. Happy is not that new promotion. Happy is not getting a new car. These things are all temporary. They can be gone in an instant. Jesus is talking about something much deeper and centered on the eternal, not the temporal.

For my own way of thinking, I think of this as not "happiness" whose definition our culture has really distorted, but instead I think of "joy." Now I'm not rewriting the Bible here, just giving myself a starting point that I can grab onto. Happiness to me is of the moment, but joy is abiding. Joy is not influenced by my circumstance, but resides deep within me because of the choices I've made to follow Christ. I may be bombarded right and left and that will certainly affect how happy I feel. But the attacks will not touch the joy I have in the Lord. It's too ingrained into the core of my being to be displaced so easily by a few bumps in the road. I may not be happy when I face obstacles or disappointments, but I can maintain my joy.

Now I need to work on removing the word, "happy" from my culturally distorted viewpoint and reestablish it in my heart and mind as Christ intended. My blessedness or happiness is not dependent on what is happening around me or to me, it is in trusting in and living out my life in Jesus Christ. That is where my happiness resides. Circumstances will not change my inner being. You can attack my body and take away all my 'stuff,' but you will not touch my soul. I am blessed by the Almighty. And that makes me so very happy.

Further Thoughts:

1. Follow the link above to the Greek definition of "blessed." Click on the books of the Bible to the right and read other Scriptures that have the same word in them.
2. Based on this new definition, would you say Job was blessed? Before, during, or after Satan attacked him? Why?
3. Review the life of Paul, was he happy? How do you know? Support with Scripture.
4. Are you struggling with being happy? Maybe you are allowing your circumstances to dictate your happiness. Spend some time alone with the Lord asking Him to show you your true happiness in Him.
5. Even in the midst of difficult circumstances, we can acknowledge ways that we are blessed. Write down the blessings in your life, both internal and external. Then give thanks to our Lord who is the provider of all good things.